The program in Chemistry is designed to encourage a broad education while remaining flexible enough to permit students to pursue their own interests and to develop programs to satisfy their goals. The specific requirements for admission to the graduate program are a minimum of 28 credit hours of chemistry. A general physics course and mathematics through differential and integral calculus are also required.
Chemistry and Chemical Biology accepts applications for Fall semester only. For best consideration, the applications should be submitted before January 1. Late applications are considered on the basis of availability. Only completed files are reviewed and it is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure all required materials are sent in a timely fashion. The department does not accept email copies of any information.
24 total credit hours, including the following plus 6 credit hours of Thesis (599):
48 total credit hours, including the following plus 18 credit hours of Dissertation (699):
Courses
CHEM 1105. Preparation for College Chemistry. (2)
A preparatory course for students who feel they are not prepared, or who do not have the prerequisite requirements for CHEM 1215/1215L. A grade of "CR" can be used as placement into CHEM 1215/1215L.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
CHEM 1106. Foundations of Chemistry. (3)
A unique preparatory course for CHEM 1215 and your subsequent chemistry courses. It has a dual purpose; firstly, to help you obtain a solid foundation in the chemical concepts that are essential to your future chemistry and science classes, and secondly to optimize your set of learning skills to help you learn more efficiently, demonstrate your knowledge and succeed in your future fast-paced high-level science courses.
{Fall, Spring}
CHEM 1110C. Chemistry in Our Community Lecture and Laboratory. (4)
This course will introduce non-science majors to the basic chemistry required to understand topics of current interest affecting their communities, such as air and water quality, global climate change, use of fossil fuels, nuclear power, and alternative energy sources. Experiments will illustrate chemical principles and acquaint students with scientific methods, data processing, critical thinking and scientific writing.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
{Fall, Spring}
CHEM 1120C. Introduction to Chemistry for Non-Majors Lecture and Laboratory. (4)
This course covers qualitative and quantitative areas of non-organic general chemistry for non-science majors and some health professions. Students will learn and apply principles pertaining, but not limited to, atomic and molecular structure, the periodic table, acids and bases, mass relationships, and solutions. The laboratory component introduces students to techniques for obtaining and analyzing experimental observations pertaining to chemistry using diverse methods and equipment. Three lectures, 3 hours demo lab/recitation.
Credit for both this course and CHEM 1215 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Credit for both this course and CHEM 1217 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Prerequisite: MATH 1215Z or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1440 or MATH 1512 or MATH 1522 or MATH 2531 or ACT Math =>22 or SAT Math Section =>540.
{Fall, Spring}
CHEM 1215. General Chemistry I for STEM Majors. (3)
This course is intended to serve as an introduction to general chemistry for students enrolled in science, engineering, and certain pre-professional programs. Students will be introduced to several fundamental concepts, including mole, concentration, heat, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, bonding, physical states, stoichiometry, and reactions.
Credit for both this course and CHEM 1217 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: ALEKS1>30% or CHEM 1105 with a grade of CR or C or higher.
Pre- or corequisite: 1215L.
CHEM 1215L. General Chemistry I for STEM Majors Laboratory. (1)
The first-semester laboratory course designed to complement the theory and concepts presented in lecture. The laboratory component will introduce students to techniques for obtaining and analyzing experimental observations pertaining to chemistry using diverse methods and equipment.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: ALEKS1>30% or CHEM 1105 with a grade of CR or C or higher.
Pre- or coexisted: 1215 or 1217.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
CHEM 1217. Principles of Chemistry I. (3)
As the first of a two-semester sequence, this course teaches fundamental concepts in chemistry, including the electronic structure of atoms, chemical periodicity, nature of chemical bonds, molecular structure, the three phases of matter, etc. In addition, the application of these concepts to various chemical sub-disciplines, such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, and materials chemistry. Designed for majors in chemical sciences and engineering, it is assumed that the students are familiar with college algebra, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, and scientific measurements. Three lectures per week.
Credit for both this course and CHEM 1120C may not be applied toward a degree program.
Prerequisite: ALEKS 1 >30%
Pre- or corequisite: 1215L.
{Fall}
CHEM 1225. General Chemistry II for STEM Majors. (3)
This course is intended to serve as a continuation of general chemistry principles for students enrolled in science, engineering, and certain pre-professional programs. The course includes, but is not limited to a theoretical and quantitative coverage of solutions and their properties, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, entropy and free energy, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Additional topics may include (as time permits) organic, polymer, atmospheric, and biochemistry.
Credit for both this course and CHEM 1227 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: ((1215 or 1217) and 1215L) or ALEKS2 =>50%.
Pre- or corequisite: 1225L.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
CHEM 1225L. General Chemistry II for STEM Majors Laboratory. (1)
Experiments illustrating the fundamental principles and techniques of chemistry. Three hours lab.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: ((1215 or 1217) and 1215L) or ALEKS2 =>50%.
Pre- or corequisite: 1225 or 1227.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
CHEM 1227. Principles of Chemistry II. (3)
As the second of a two-semester sequence, this course teaches fundamental concepts in chemistry, including solutions, equilibria, electrochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics. Designed for majors in chemical sciences and engineering, it is assumed that the students are familiar with college algebra, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, and scientific measurements. Three lectures per week.
Credit for both this course and CHEM 1225 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Prerequisite: (1215L is C or better and 1217 is C or better) or (ALEKS2 >65%).
Pre- or corequisite: 1225L.
{Spring}
CHEM 1996. Topics. (1-6, no limit Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
CHEM 2120. Integrated Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. (4)
The second of a two-semester sequence of laboratory courses designed to complement the theory and concepts presented in lecture. The laboratory component will introduce students to techniques for obtaining and analyzing experimental observations pertaining to chemistry using diverse methods and equipment.
Credit for both this course and CHEM **301 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Prerequisite: 1120C or 1225.
{Fall, Spring}
CHEM 2310C. Quantitative Analysis Lecture and Laboratory. (4)
Quantitative analysis is a subdiscipline within analytical chemistry which deals with the identification and assay of a material or its components. Students will learn how chemical characterization involves chemical reactivity, physical measurement, and data interpretation with an emphasis on solution equilibria and electrochemistry. The study of precise and reliable chemical characterization is fundamental to further study and practice in chemistry, biology, medicine, geology, chemical engineering, and many other related fields. The understanding of the methods and limitations of chemical characterization can aid in making informed judgments on a large variety of social and political issues. This course is designed to introduce you to techniques of quantitative analysis and complement the theory and concepts presented in lecture. Students will obtain reproducible quantitative laboratory data using classical (volumetric, gravimetric) and simple instrumental (potentiometric, spectrophotometric, chromatographic) methods, as well as analyze and interpret laboratory data using standard statistical and validation approaches. Three lectures, 4 hours lab.
Prerequisite: (1225 or 1227) and 1225L.
{Fall, Spring}
CHEM **301. Organic Chemistry. (3)
Chemistry of the compounds of carbon.
Credit for both this course and CHEM 2120 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Prerequisite: 1225 or 1227.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
CHEM **302. Organic Chemistry. (3)
Continuation of **301.
Prerequisite: **301.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
CHEM 303L. Organic Chemistry Laboratory. (1)
Teaches basic organic chemistry laboratory techniques, including separations, thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and set up of apparatus for organic synthesis. Three hours lab.
Prerequisite: (1225 or 1227) and 1225L.
Pre- or corequisite: **301.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
CHEM 304L. Organic Chemistry Laboratory. (1)
Teaches synthesis of organic compounds using reactions learned in CHEM **302 and spectroscopic characterization of the products. Three hours lab.
Prerequisite: 303L.
Pre- or corequisite: **302.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
CHEM **311. Physical Chemistry. (3)
An introduction to quantum chemistry that starts from the postulates of quantum mechanics and simple models and covers structure of polyatomic molecules.
Credit not allowed for **311 and **315.
Prerequisite: (1225 or 1227) and 1225L and MATH 1522 and (PHYS 1240 or PHYS 1320).
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 2531.
{Fall}
CHEM **312. Physical Chemistry. (3)
An introduction to chemical thermodynamics. Topics will include basic thermodynamic principles, phase diagrams, and solution phase thermodynamics.
Credit not allowed for **312 and **315.
Prerequisite: (1225 or 1227) and 1225L and MATH 1522 and (PHYS 1240 or PHYS 1320).
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 2531.
{Spring}
CHEM **315. Introductory Physical Chemistry. (4)
Fundamentals of physical chemistry with primary emphasis upon biological and biochemical applications.
Cannot be used for credit toward B.S. Chemistry.
Credit not allowed for (**311 or **312) and **315.
Prerequisite: (1225 or 1227) and 1225L and (MATH 1440 or MATH 1522) and (PHYS 1240 or PHYS 1320).
{Fall, Spring}
CHEM **325. Special Topics for Undergraduates. (1-3, may be repeated once Δ)
Possible topics are: chemical literature, environmental chemistry, photochemistry, stereochemistry, macromolecules, C-13-NMR, natural products.
{Offered upon demand}
CHEM **326. Special Topics for Undergraduates. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Possible topics are: chemical literature, environmental chemistry, photochemistry, stereochemistry, macromolecules, C-13-NMR, natural products.
{Offered upon demand}
CHEM **391. Readings in Selected Topics. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Advanced topics not covered in general offerings.
{Offered upon demand}
CHEM **392. Readings in Selected Topics. (1-3, may be repeated once Δ)
Advanced topics not covered in general offerings.
{Offered upon demand}
CHEM 411L. Laboratory Methods In Physical Chemistry. (3)
Introduction to modern physical chemistry laboratory techniques including computational chemistry, quantum mechanical description of molecular rotations, molecular vibrations and electronic absorption, and thermodynamics. One lecture, 6 hrs. lab.
Prerequisite: **311 and **312 and 453L.
{Fall}
CHEM 421. Biological Chemistry. (3)
Brings the fundamentals of general and organic chemistry to bear on the complex array of structures and chemical processes that occur in living organisms.
Prerequisite: **302 and (**312 or **315).
CHEM 425. Organic Chemistry of Biological Pathways. (3)
Covers basic principles of mechanisms, acidity, stereochemistry; structures; properties of biomolecules; reactions in lipid, carbohydrate, amino acid, nucleotide metabolic pathways. (3 hrs lecture)
Prerequisite: **302.
{Fall, Spring}
CHEM *431. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. (3)
Atomic theory and molecular structure, the fundamentals of symmetry, point groups, bonding concepts, acid-base chemistry, periodic trends, and reaction chemistry of both transition metals and non-metals.
Prerequisite: **311 or **315.
{Fall}
CHEM 432L. Advanced Synthetic Chemistry Laboratory. (3)
Provides students with basic laboratory techniques in synthetic, structural, mechanistic, spectroscopic, and computational chemistry. 1 hr lecture, 6 hrs lab.
Prerequisite: 304L and *431.
{Spring}
CHEM 452. Polymer Chemistry. (3)
An introduction to polymer chemistry terminology, synthesis, characterization and application.
Prerequisite: **302.
{Fall, Spring}
CHEM 453L. Analytical Instrumentation: Theory and Application. (4)
This course introduces students to a variety of instrumentation used in chemical analysis. Content includes theory, design, statistical data analysis and application of primary instrumentation used in analytical labs. Labs and research project will be performed.
Prerequisite: 2310C and (MATH 1430 or MATH 1512).
{Spring}
CHEM 457. Environmental Chemistry. (3)
Introduction to the chemistry of natural and polluted environments, including both atmospheric and aquatic systems.
Prerequisite: 2310C and **302.
{Offered upon demand}
CHEM 469 / 569. Characterization Methods for Nanostructures. (3)
(Also offered as CBE, NSMS 512)
Nanostructure characterization methods. Examine principles underlying techniques and limitations, and how to interpret data from each method: electron beam, scanning probe, x-ray, neutron scattering, optical and near field optical. Lab demonstrations and projects provide experience.
{Fall}
CHEM 471. Advanced Topics in Chemistry. (2-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Current topics requiring a background in physical chemistry such as spectroscopy, reaction mechanisms, advanced synthesis, polymer chemistry and materials chemistry.
{Offered upon demand}
CHEM 495. Undergraduate Problems. (1-3)
Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.
{Offered upon demand}
CHEM 496. Undergraduate Problems. (1-3 to a maximum of 4 Δ)
Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.
{Offered upon demand}
CHEM 497. Senior Honors Research. (1-3 to a maximum of 4 Δ)
Senior paper based on independent research.
{Offered upon demand}
CHEM 498. Senior Honors Research. (1-3 to a maximum of 4 Δ)
Senior paper based on independent research.
{Offered upon demand}
CHEM *499. Chemistry Seminar-Research. (1, may be repeated once Δ)
Course emphasizes investigation, evaluation, and discussion of areas of specialized knowledge or inquiry relevant to the profession or field of study.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
CHEM 500. Scientific Teaching in Chemistry. (1-3, no limit Δ)
A course which includes lecture, seminar, workshop and field experience to provide a scientific framework for teaching chemistry and practice in strategies of scientific teaching.
CHEM 501. Molecular Structure Theory. (3)
General introduction to quantum mechanics with emphasis on chemical applications. Topics covered include basic postulates of quantum mechanics, standard analytically solvable quantum systems (free electrons, particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, rigid rotor, hydrogen atom), approximation methods (perturbation theory and the variational method). An introduction to molecular quantum mechanics, molecular spectroscopy and time-dependent perturbation theory.
CHEM 504. Chemical Dynamics. (3)
A rapid review of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Usually for graduate students in areas outside of physical chemistry.
CHEM 511. Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry. (3)
An introduction to the methods used for determining reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry and the application of those methods for determining the mechanisms of reactions based on ionic processes.
CHEM 514. Synthesis in Organic Chemistry. (3)
Development of strategies for synthesizing organic compounds including stereochemical control; introduction to advanced reactions for carbon-carbon bond formation and functional group manipulation.
CHEM 515. Topics in Organic Chemistry. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
CHEM 516. Topics in Organic Chemistry. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
CHEM 521. Biological Chemistry. (3)
Brings the fundamentals of general and organic chemistry to bear on the complex array of structures and chemical processes that occur in living organisms.
Prerequisite: **301 and 302 and (**311 or *315).
Restriction: permission of instructor.
CHEM 536. Synthesis and Mechanism in Inorganic Chemistry. (3)
A general outline of synthesis methodologies and approaches for main group element and transition metal compounds is provided. In addition, the reactivity of these compounds is explored with particular emphasis on systematics in reaction mechanisms.
CHEM 537. Topics in Inorganic Chemistry. (3, may be repeated twice Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
CHEM 538. Topics in Inorganic Chemistry. (3, may be repeated twice Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
CHEM 545. Topics in Analytical Chemistry. (3, may be repeated twice Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
CHEM 546. Topics in Analytical Chemistry. (3, may be repeated twice Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
CHEM 567. Topics in Physical Chemistry. (3, may be repeated twice Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
CHEM 569 / 469. Characterization Methods for Nanostructures. (3)
(Also offered as CBE, NSMS 512)
Nanostructure characterization methods. Examine principles underlying techniques and limitations, and how to interpret data from each method: electron beam, scanning probe, x-ray, neutron scattering, optical and near field optical. Lab demonstrations and projects provide experience.
{Fall}
CHEM 587. Advanced Topics in Biological Chemistry. (3, may be repeated twice Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
CHEM 599. Master's Thesis. (1-6, no limit Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a master’s thesis.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
CHEM 623. Research Colloquium. (1, may be repeated nine times Δ)
Presentation and discussion of current research by faculty from other institutions.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
CHEM 625. Chemistry Divisional Seminar. (1, no limit Δ)
Student presentations and discussion of current research by students and faculty in the same traditional division of chemistry.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
CHEM 627. Chemistry Instrumentation Seminar. (1, may be repeated once Δ)
Training and practice in use of research instrumentation required by a student’s graduate research.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
CHEM 650. Research/Readings. (2-12, no limit Δ)
A faculty-supervised course culminating in a comprehensive paper or research proposal that integrates knowledge attained through coursework, research, and experience.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
CHEM 699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a doctoral dissertation.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
